You've seen posts like these. Where there's no intro, no outro, just the list. Kinda like a grocery list. You just write the list.

People like them because they're straight and to the point. But sometimes you want a bit more depth to your list, which is why you may want to consider...

In-depth list post

This is where you have a list, but within each bullet point, you talk about the bullet point.

Each point can be a few paragraphs long, so it adds another layer of depth to the post, but at the same time, a reader can scan the post and get the bulleted highlights.

Best of both worlds, and if you haven't noticed, this is the way I like my lists :)

Lists that happen to be within posts

These are posts that just so happen to have a list.

The distinction between this type of post and the in-depth post is kind of blurry, but in the end, your reader isn't going to have to answer a question as to what sort of post they just read was. This is just a general guideline to help you create a list post.

So, pick a number. Try to keep it above 5, because any fewer than 5 seems like you just didn't try hard enough.

Round numbers are always nice, as well as numbers that end in 9.

But personally, I like to pick out a number before moving onto the next step...

3. Brainstorm ideas

If I pick a number, then I have a number to strive for. Always brainstorm for more than the number you chose, some ideas may be merged or some may be not closely related enough.

4. Have a logical order to your list

Even though you supposedly don't need a transition for your list, the ideas do need to flow.

A list post regarding a daily routine would obviously have to be organized chronologically.

A list post regarding what sorts of foods to eat when trying to lose weight should be organized in some manner, perhaps with certain food groups grouped together.

Every post will be different, but use common sense--make sure you organize your ideas.

5. Have consistency in writing your ideas

Either use bullets, or don't. Don't jumble them up. Since this list post has two lists, I wanted to show two different ways you can list the ideas within a list.

For long lists, like, 99 things to do when you're bored, use numbers.

For lists shorter than 10, bullets will be fine.

Note that you can easily change bullets to numbers by changing the <ul> and </ul> tags to <ol> and </ol> tags in the html editor.

If you're going to elaborate on each point though, I do not recommend using the html list; I'd recommend using Header 3 tags (or <h3> tags for us tech savvy guys) because it's good for SEO and it's also easier on the eyes, not to mention that adding line breaks within an html-formatted list creates a formatting nightmare.

6. Invite readers to add to the list

I do this for every post, so why not list posts? Always be engaging with your readers, it's important in building communities of readers, and a loyal following.

When people feel like they can have a neat discussion on your blog, they're likely to come back because of the community of readers you have.

7. Have a super cool title

Yes, this is the last step, for me at least. I always have a tentative title, just so I know what to write about, but I always make a cooler title at the end, based on what my content is.

For more information on creating a catchy title, check out the four headline tests.

Onto you: Ready to write a list post?

In the comments, write one or two ideas for a list post that you may want to create, then after that... write the list post! Take action, and feel free to share your list post when it's done!

In peace, love, and prosperity,

Rasheed

PS: If your company does not have a step-by-step duplicable system for YOUR success, check this out (unless you are just making way too much money)

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Rasheed is a 21-year-old college student studying chemical engineering, but he has much bigger ambitions than becoming an employee. His dream is to cruise continental America in a million dollar RV. The road to his dream is through this prestigious business opportunity.